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Intercept

1. To take or seize by the way, or before arrival at the destined place; to cause to stop on the passage; as, to intercept a letter; a telegram will intercept him at paris. God will shortly intercept your breath. (Joye)

2. To obstruct or interrupt the progress of; to stop; to hinder or oppose; as, to intercept the current of a river. Who intercepts me in my expedition? (Shak) We must meet first, and intercept his course. (Dryden)

3. To interrupt communication with, or progress toward; to cut off, as the destination; to blockade. While storms vindictive intercept the shore. (Pope)

4. (Science: mathematics) to include between; as, that part of the ine which is intercepted between the points a and B.

Synonym: to cut off, stop, catch, seize, obstruct.

Origin: L. Interceptus, p. P. Of intercipere to intercept; inter between _ capere to take, seize: cf. F. Intercepter. See Capable.

(Science: mathematics) a part cut off or intercepted, as a portion of a line included between two points, or cut off two straight lines or curves.